As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) takes steps to prepare for the 2027 presidential contest, the issue of constitutional eligibility has thrust former President Goodluck Jonathan into the center of debate, even as the party weighs zoning options and the possible return of 2023 Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.
The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is set to inaugurate its National Working Committee Zoning Committee and the 2027 Election Zoning Committee today (Thursday) in Abuja, marking a critical step in shaping the opposition’s strategy for the next general elections.
Legal Cloud Over Jonathan’s Prospects
While some PDP members believe Jonathan could play a unifying role if he rejoins the party, his eligibility is under intense scrutiny due to the 2018 constitutional amendment.
Section 137(3) of the Constitution provides: “A person who was sworn in to complete the term for which another person was elected as President shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.”
Similarly, Section 182(3) addresses governors: “A person, who was sworn in to complete the term for which another person was elected as Governor, shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.”
By implication, Jonathan, who completed the remainder of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s tenure before being elected in 2011, could constitutionally serve only one more term — a factor that some PDP insiders say would make him a transitional candidate at best.
Divided Opinions Within PDP
This legal backdrop has not stopped speculation. Some NEC members, who also sit on the National Working Committee but spoke anonymously, argue that Jonathan’s and Obi’s past defections hurt the party deeply.
“Jonathan abandoned the party after the 2015 election, at a time when he should have been leading the party and repositioning it. Obi also left in the heat of the 2019 elections, and his defection, no doubt, affected the party’s performance,” one party leader said, adding that any return would be received with mixed feelings.
Others insist the party already has capable contenders such as Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, both of whom have been tipped as strong candidates for 2027.
Obi’s Position Still Unchanged
Peter Obi has maintained that he remains in the Labour Party, in alliance with the coalition-driven African Democratic Congress (ADC). His camp has not confirmed any formal talks about rejoining the PDP.
Nevertheless, Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, has reportedly met with both Jonathan and Obi in recent weeks, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes efforts to reposition the party.
Official Party Line
National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba confirmed the inauguration of the zoning committee, but stressed that the PDP has no shortage of strong candidates.
“In our party today, we have great prospects for presidential candidates. I mentioned governors and what they have achieved. But I tell you this: today, this party has many highly qualified, exceptionally capable, and performing governors who can become president of this country,” he said.
He added that while the party welcomes new and returning members, what it demands is “absolute, 100% loyalty.”
A Party Emerging from Crisis
The PDP only recently recovered from months of internal turmoil that saw high-profile defections, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and incumbent Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, among others, to the APC and the ADC.
To restore stability, the NEC scheduled a National Elective Convention for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, to fill 19 vacancies in the National Working Committee.
Mixed Signals From Key Figures
Within the party, reactions remain varied. PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor said Jonathan’s earlier exit was damaging but argued that the party should be open-minded.
“As a former President, he has his pride of place, and all his dues and accolades must be fully given to him. Yes, he shirked certain responsibilities, which is unfortunate, but… every hand, including Obi, should be welcomed,” Osadolor said.
Former PDP National Secretary Ibrahim Tsauri, however, maintained that Jonathan technically never left the PDP, noting, “Has Goodluck Jonathan ever told you that he has left the PDP? Or has he told anybody that he has left the PDP? So, Goodluck Jonathan is still in the PDP, alright?”
APC Reaction
For its part, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed PDP’s manoeuvres. APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, described the opposition as “a struggling party in the intensive care unit” and insisted that no matter the candidate — Jonathan, Obi, or any other — APC’s Bola Tinubu will secure re-election in 2027.
The Road Forward
As the PDP inaugurates its zoning committee in Abuja, it faces the dual challenge of reconciling internal divisions and addressing the constitutional question hanging over Jonathan. Meanwhile, Obi’s decision to stay in Labour for now means the PDP must weigh whether to prioritize fresh leadership within its ranks or extend open arms to those who once left.